Spector died in prison following his 2009 conviction for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson six years prior.
Pop producer and convicted murderer Phil Spector has died aged 81. The California Department of Corrects and Rehabilitations confirmed his death this weekend. A statement reveals that he died “of natural causes at 6.35pm on Saturday 16 January 2021, at an outside hospital”.
“His official cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner in the San Joaquin county sheriff’s office.”
As TMZ reports, Spector was diagnosed with Covid-19 four weeks ago and had moved between the hospital and his prison cell in recent weeks.
The US musician was famed for his “wall of sound” recording technique and produced 20 Top 40 hits between 1961 and 1965. He worked with the likes of The Beatles, Leonard Cohen and the Righteous Brothers throughout his career. Artists like Bruce Springsteen and The Beach Boys were influenced by him and his approach.
In February 2003, American actress Lana Clarkson was found dead at Spector’s Alhambra, California home. She had a bullet wound to her head. Spector claimed that the shooting took place after Clarkson “kissed the gun”. He was convicted of second degree murder in 2009 and sentenced to 19 years to life.
The producer’s former wife Ronnie Spector, who he was married to from 1968 to 1974, has posted a statement on his death. The singer and former Ronettes girl group member shared a black and white image with the caption: “It’s a sad day for music and a sad day for me.”
She added, “When I was working with Phil Spector, watching him create in the recording studio, I knew I was working with the very best. He was in complete control, directing everyone. So much to love about those days. Meeting him and falling in love was like a fairytale. The magical music we were able to make together, was inspired by our love. I loved him madly, and gave my heart and soul to him. As I said many times while he was alive, he was a brilliant producer, but a lousy husband.”
“Unfortunately Phil was not able to live and function outside of the recording studio. Darkness set in, many lives were damaged. I still smile whenever I hear the music we made together, and always will. The music will be forever”.
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